England coach Fabio Capello says David Beckham is in contention to earn his 100th cap in the friendly against France in Paris on 26 March.

He was left out of Capello's first game against Switzerland in February because of a lack of fitness as the season in the United States has not started yet.

Midfielder Beckham, 32, has 99 caps and Capello will have the former captain watched playing for Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Italian said: "There is a strong possibility that he will be selected."

The Major League Soccer season begins on 29 March but LA Galaxy play FC Dallas in a pre-season charity game on 15 March and Capello added that he or a member of his coaching team will be at that match to see Beckham play.

If you play with fear, it is impossible to win

England coach Fabio Capello

Capello was speaking at a specially arranged gathering of representatives of the supporters club, England fans, where he spoke in English in public for the first time.

The former Real Madrid coach also said he had yet to make up his mind on who should be the England captain on a permanent basis.

"It is very important to choose someone for the World Cup qualifiers, which start in September," he admitted.

"But I have to know the man, not only the player. It must be not only a big player but a symbol - a good player, a good man, who represents the England team in every situation."

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard was given the role against Switzerland, with previous incumbent John Terry then injured.